And the LORD went before them is literally “And Yahweh [was] the one going to their faces,” or “before them.” The participle suggests continued or repeated action, so Childs has “used to go.” By day means “in the daytime” (New American Bible), in contrast with by night or “during the night” (Good News Translation). In a pillar of cloud is difficult, since pillar suggests something solid in contrast with cloud. New American Bible has “a column of cloud,” which may be easier to visualize. One may also say “in a cloud in the form of a column.” Pillar of fire may be handled in the same way.

To lead them along the way may be understood as “to show them the way.” To give them light is literally “to shine to [or, for] them.” That they might travel by day and by night is literally “to go or walk day and night.” Good News Translation changes this to “night and day,” which is the more natural order in English.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .